Pilgrimage… a journey to a sacred place. An external journey, traveling away from familiar environs and the daily tasks of life. It’s also an internal journey toward a deeper understanding of one’s life. It's a solitary quest for meaning, but often undertaken in the company of other pilgrims. There is a goal in terms of the physical endpoint, be it a holy religious site or simply the end of a trek. Yet the main focus is spiritual connection, reflection or even transformation.
Some are traditional rituals for rites of passage, others are actually requirements of a particular religion. These days many are self-initiated, but have the same specific purpose - to review and reconnect with our inner compass. All are arduous, both physically and mentally challenging.
Muslims have the Hajj, an annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia that is one of the largest gatherings in the world. Jerusalem is home to the Western Wall at Temple Mount, which has ancient structures and historical events holy to both Muslims and Jews.
Important Christian pilgrimages are the Via Francigena to Rome (starting in Canterbury, England) and the Camino de Santiago - the Way of Saint James - which winds through France, ending at the Cathedral de Compostela in Spain. Then there were the yearly initiations of the Mysteries held at the Sanctuary of Elusius in ancient Greece! These are all ancient pilgrimages which are hundreds of miles long, taking many days, weeks or even months.
Whether traveling from a great distance or not, the true significance of pilgrimage is to enlighten. Uluru in Australia, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the river Ganges in India, and England's Stonehenge are just a few of the sites that draw spiritual seekers worldwide. Once having arrived at their destination, many pilgrims end with a circumambulation around a temple or landmark, like Mount Kailash in Nepal.
Our Lady of Lourdes continues to draw thousands to France to experience its healing waters. Natives have always known of and sought out places with water that has restorative healing powers. Today, these more secular journeys are still seen as a spiritual retreat from daily life. A personally created pilgrimage might involve a trek like the Pacific Crest in California or the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina. The Japanese Shikoku is a nature trail with 88 temples along its route. Pilgrimages are proven to have biological, psychological, social, and spiritual benefits. No wonder they have always played a part in the human experience.
Briefly letting go of your current life to explore the meaning of existence is an ageless phenomenon. In our search for wholeness, we don’t always have to embark to foreign lands. I do it every day when I walk in the park! For that short time I am in the moment, and my surroundings are not foreign but they are always new. I encourage you to find that time for yourself on a regular basis, to reflect and nourish your inner sanctuary. We are all on an earthy journey, looking towards heavenly renewal!
Peace, love and healing -
Bear
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